15 July 2022 - Renting in Wales Changes
WALES
As an Approved Training provider with Rent Smart Wales, we have put together a course which allows all attendees to not only ensure they have the relevant processes in place ready for 15th July, but that they have completed an accredited CPD course which they can attach to their training requirements under the RSW licensing.
For further information and to register for our course click here - Navigating the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 - 26 April 2022, Cardiff
INTO THE DETAIL
From 15 July 2022, The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 will change the way landlords in Wales rent out their properties. The objectives of this new legislation simplifies agreements, improves the condition of rental homes in Wales and offers greater security and certainty to tenants and landlords.
What does the New Legislation mean?
For Tenants…..
Under the new law, tenants and licencees will become known as ‘contract-holders’. Tenancy agreements will be replaced with ‘occupation contracts’. The new law will make renting easier and provide greater security.
For contract-holders this will mean:
receiving a written contract setting out your rights and responsibilities
an increase in the ‘no fault’ notice period from two to six months
greater protection from eviction
improved succession rights, these set out who has a right to continue to live in a dwelling, for example, after the current tenant dies
more flexible arrangements for joint contract-holders, making it easier to add or remove others to an occupation contract
For Landlords …..
All social and private landlords, including those who rent their properties through management companies or letting agents, will need to:
comply with the new law
make the necessary updates to their properties and paperwork
This means…..
A simpler system, with two types of contract: ‘Secure’ for the social rented sector and ‘Standard’ for the private rented sector.
Ensuring homes are fit for human habitation (FFHH). This will include electrical safety testing and ensuring working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are fitted.
Abandoned properties can be repossessed without needing a court order.